RAMS slipped to a third straight National One defeat as a rejuvenated Sale FC triumphed 29-17 at Heywood Road.

There was physicality in abundance from the outset, but it was the Dogs who took the lead when Tom Curtis drilled home a penalty awarded at the scrum.

However, Rams rallied superbly, hitting the front when Max Hayman rumbled over at the back of a surging maul for his 11th try of the season.

Fraser Honey landed a terrific touchline conversion, but the second quarter was dominated both in territory and possession by the hosts.

Yet Rams’ defence was magnificent, repelling wave after wave of attacks while also benefitting from a knock-on when a Sale maul seemed set to power over.

There was drama at the end of the opening 40 minutes, though, the visitors believing time was up and kicking the ball out, only to concede a five-metre line-out.

And while they again did well to stop the set-piece, Sale eventually made their way over through prop Cal Ford for an 8-7 interval lead.

Things too a decisive turn for the worse early in the second period when Dan Swain was perhaps harshly red carded for a high tackle, and Sale swiftly made their man advantage count as captain Andrew Hughes went over from close range.

Yet the away side revived themselves with heroic endeavour, getting back into the contest as Hayman doubled his tally from the set-piece.

Honey was again on target with a superb kick, and Rams continued to have the better of things with the impressive Charlie Robson unable to take a pass on the left with the try-line at his mercy.

The visitors did get in front with a Honey penalty for a high shot on Hayman, but their failure to exit successfully from the restart proved costly.

Having earned a penalty, Sale this time went to the corner, and with Rams on a yellow card waring after bringing down the maul, replacement hooker Josh Brown then reaped the benefits as he rode over.

Curtis was on target to give his side a five-point lead with some 10 minutes remaining, but there was a flicker of life for Rams as debutant George Makepeace-Cubbit went half the length of the field.

However, it was the hosts who had the final word, a flowing backs move finished by Connor Doherty before Curtis’ conversion left Rams without even the consolation of a losing bonus-point they probably deserved.